By Wayne Laugesen | SOURCE: THE GAZETTE
Colorado Springs’ elected leaders and voters have been wise to reject marijuana, an increasingly unpopular “recreation” option. They did not fall for the false buzz of Big Marijuana, which promised reductions in crime, less illicit drug use and tax manna for the common good.
Consequently, Colorado Springs appears progressive and alive as so many other large cities go to pot with homelessness, crime and open-air drug use.
By rejecting recreational sales, Springs voters put themselves ahead of the curve. Pot is no longer the next big thing. It could become the next bad fad of the past, lingering in the margins with gangsta rap and skinny jeans.
Springs voters most recently said “no” to commercial drug sales in November 2022 by a margin of nearly 60%.
Since the defeat of the pro-pot measure, at least 18 pot shops have closed in the Springs. More closures are expected. When a failed pot dealer surrenders a license, the license cannot be issued again. This provides a ratchet-down that could permanently reduce brick-and-mortar “medicinal” marijuana sales.